A 19-year-old man has been arrested in the US over an alleged Hindu temple shooting plot in Aurora, Illinois. Prosecutors allege that Alexandros Paporakis attempted to open fire near the temple on October 11, 2026, but his rifle jammed. A co-worker’s report to police also played a key role in the investigation.
Paporakis from Palatine faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches. He remains in custody as the probe continues.
How Did the Alleged Hindu Temple Shooting Plot Unfold?
According to prosecutors and court records, Paporakis allegedly told a co-worker on October 10 that he wanted to kill Indians and planned to attack what he described as Aurora’s largest Hindu temple.
Prosecutors allege that he travelled to the temple area on October 11 with an AR-style rifle, about 300 rounds of ammunition, body armour and other tactical gear. According to prosecutors, the rifle jammed when the suspect allegedly tried to fire it, and he left the area. After returning home, he reportedly searched online for ways to repair the weapon and contacted a co-worker about the incident.
Investigators have not confirmed the specific temple allegedly targeted. Media reports have identified the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora as a possible target, but authorities have not conclusively established the location.
How Did Police Foil the Alleged Attack?
Police were alerted after a co-worker reported receiving disturbing messages from Paporakis about a potential mass shooting. After the alleged attempt, he reportedly shared further details with a co-worker, and employees contacted emergency services. The information prompted police in Palatine and Mount Prospect to investigate.
Investigators believe, Police from Palatine and Mount Prospect arrested the shooter. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered an AR-style rifle without a serial number, loaded magazines, ammunition, body armour, and items bearing Nazi symbols.
According to prosecutors, an eight-page document titled Why I Fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto) has been found. Prosecutors allege that it contained white supremacist and neo-Nazi views, racist references to Indians and other communities, and descriptions of plans for mass violence. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting local authorities.
What Charges Does the Suspect Face?
The 19-year-old faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches. A judge ordered him held without bond at a hearing on October 14. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30, 2026.
Police are reviewing the evidence to determine whether additional charges are warranted. The allegations have not been proven in court.
India Raises Concern Over Alleged Anti-Hindu Plot
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Hindu places of worship and the Indian-American community in the United States.
On October 15, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the alleged plot, citing its reported anti-Hindu and racist nature. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged US authorities to conduct an intense scrutiny, bring those responsible to justice, and take steps to prevent similar incidents.
The Consulate General of India in Chicago said it was in contact with members of the Indian diaspora and was closely monitoring developments.
Investigation Continues
The FBI is assisting local authorities as they continue examining evidence related to the alleged plot. Investigators have not conclusively confirmed the intended target, and further charges may be considered as the case progresses. The suspect remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
Key Highlights
- On October 10, the suspect allegedly told a co-worker about plans to attack a Hindu temple.
- He allegedly attempted to carry out the plan, but his rifle reportedly jammed. No shooting occurred.
- Police arrested the 19-year-old suspect on October 11.
- A co-worker’s report helped alert authorities to the alleged plot.
- India expressed concern over the alleged anti-Hindu motive.
- The suspect faces felony charges; the allegations remain unproven in court.
